ABOUT THE Trust

The Cape Cod Fisheries Trust works to protect the future of Cape Cod’s historic fishing industry by purchasing commercial permits in order to secure additional fishing opportunities for the struggling local fleet. Self-employed Cape Cod fishermen then lease these opportunities from the Trust and agree to harvest the catch with small boats and traditional gear.

This innovative program has made great strides under strong leadership and with the continued support of fishermen, citizens of Cape Cod and philanthropic foundations.

The Cape Cod Fisheries Trust is a unique collaboration between CCCHFA and the Community Development Partnership.

Recent Accomplishments of the Trust

Kept boats on the water and money in our fishermen’s pockets by leasing over 200,000 lbs of dayboat scallops and 825,000 lbs of groundfish quota to Cape Cod fishermen in 2011
Assisted 33 captains and 91 crewmen to land $3.6 million worth of scallops and groundfish.
Provided business planning and financial training to participating fishermen, resulting in 6 scallopers being able to secure loans to purchase their own quota and reduce their reliance on the Trust.

Donate online to our capital campaign for permit purchases. Thank you for your support!

Please specify "Cape Cod Fisheries Trust" in the "instructions to merchant" section of the online form.

The Trust is made possible by generous support from the following donors over the past several years:

Operating Grant Support
Surdna Foundation
Cape Cod Economic Development Council
Jessie B. Cox Charitable Trust
J.M. Kaplan Fund
Oak Foundation

Walton Family Foundation

National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, Fisheries Innovation Fund

The Nature Conservancy

Marisla Foundation

Capital Support
Ford Foundation

Jane’s Trust

Calvert Foundation
Cape Cod Five Foundation
The Dreyfus Foundation

Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment
Numerous Individuals